An Ellis Island Christmas

Illustrated by Dennis Nolan
$6.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Puffin Books
On sale Oct 16, 2018 | 9780593114728
Age 5-8 years
Reading Level: Lexile 530L
Sales rights: World
A moving story about one family's daring journey from Poland to America and their hope for a better future in their new home. 

Krysia does not want to leave her home and her friend, Michi, but there are soldiers with guns on the streets and her mother says that they must go. Krysia, her two brothers, and her mother pack their favorite belongings and begin the long, harrowing journey to America. Krysia is scared but she finds courage when she thinks of her father waiting for her in America with the promise of a better tomorrow.

Inspired by Maxinne Rhea Leighton's father's journey from Poland to America, this is a powerful reminder of the beacon of hope and opportunity that Ellis Island symbolized and the importance of family at Christmastime.
  • WINNER
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Book

About

A moving story about one family's daring journey from Poland to America and their hope for a better future in their new home. 

Krysia does not want to leave her home and her friend, Michi, but there are soldiers with guns on the streets and her mother says that they must go. Krysia, her two brothers, and her mother pack their favorite belongings and begin the long, harrowing journey to America. Krysia is scared but she finds courage when she thinks of her father waiting for her in America with the promise of a better tomorrow.

Inspired by Maxinne Rhea Leighton's father's journey from Poland to America, this is a powerful reminder of the beacon of hope and opportunity that Ellis Island symbolized and the importance of family at Christmastime.

Awards

  • WINNER
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Book